Window Cleaning Time

3 Ways To Improve Home Insulation Through Your Windows

12 July 2016

Lawrence Robinson

It's the middle of the summer and you need to do what you can to reduce heat gain in your home. If you don't want to have to spend a fortune to do this, here are three home insulation ideas to implement with your windows:

1. Apply Some Bubble Wrap

Whether you have some old bubble wrap from when you moved into the house or you decide to purchase it new, bubble wrap can be applied to your windows as a form of insulation to help reduce heat inside of your home. Keep in mind that the bubble wrap will cause a bit of distortion, so if you need to be able to see clearly through the window, you may want to consider the following option instead.

To apply the bubble wrap, you will first need to use a pair of scissors or a utility knife to cut the bubble wrap the size of the window pane. Spray the window with a little bit of water and apply the pre-cut bubble wrap directly onto the window pane while the pane is still wet. Press firmly to ensure the bubble wrap stays in place. When you are ready to remove it down the road, simply pull down on one corner.

2. Apply Window Film

Window film for home windows is the same as window tint for your automobile's windows. It will help to reduce the heat gain in the house during the summer, which will allow the interior of your home to stay cooler and keep your HVAC unit from working as hard.

Applying the window film is very similar to the bubble wrap. You will cut the film roughly half an inch large than the size of the window pane, lightly spray the window with water, remove the film backing and begin applying the film to the window starting at one corner of the pane. You will use a plastic squeegee to push the air bubbles out of the film as you apply the film.

3. Add New Weatherstripping

Over time, the weatherstripping around your windows will experience wear and tear and will be unable to properly seal air leaks. When you notice that your weatherstripping has experienced significant cracking or is coming loose from the window, it's time to replace it. The Department of Energy says that there are several different types of weatherstripping, each of which has its own best uses, advantages and disadvantages. In fact, here are just a few of the options that are listed on their site:

• Tension Seal – This type of weatherstripping is ideal for inside the track of a sliding window or a double-hung window. It is usually easy to install, invisible and very durable; however, it can make some windows more difficult to open or close.
• Felt – This type of weatherstripping is placed around a window. It is inexpensive and easy to install. However, it is not as durable as other forms of weatherstripping nor is it as effective as preventing airflow. The most durable form of this weatherstripping is the all-wool felt.
• Reinforced Foam – This type of weatherstripping is best used around window stops or at the top or bottom of the window sash. It is very effective at sealing and scored high in various wind tests. The downside is that it can be hard to install and it is extremely visible.

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